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Lindsey Fire in the Tahoe National Forest prompts trail closure
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| General area of Lindsey Fire. Photo: Phil Sexton, Tahoe National Forest |
The Lindsey Fire, which started in the Tahoe National Forest on Monday afternoon "only" burned 21 acres. But those 21 acres burned very hot, leaving only charred trees in this very popular hiking area.
The fire burned in the vicinity of Bullpen Lake, near the Grouse Lakes area which is slated for wilderness designation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The fire had the potential to spread over several hundred acres, according to fire officials. In conjunction with aerial support, firefighters contained the fire around 11 p.m. on Monday night and mop-up operations started the next day.
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| Putting out a log. Photo: Phil Sexton, Tahoe National Forest |
Hotshot crews from the Tahoe, Eldorado and Shasta-Trinity National Forests and from Arizona hiked to the incident, rehabilitated the fire line and felled hazard snags, trees that burned and now present significant dangers to hikers and animals alike.
Most of these operations were done by hand to minimize impact on the area.
Fire Restrictions in Effect
The Tahoe National Forest is in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions since July 2, 2007. The restrictions affect several activities:
* Fireworks Absolutely no fireworks are permitted in the National Forest.
* Campfires Only permitted in those campgrounds that have water systems, metal campfire rings, fire engine accessibility and regular patrols by campground hosts. Visitors can contact any TNF office for a list of campgrounds where campfires are permitted.
* Portable Stoves and Lanterns - Permitted in all campgrounds and the backcountry with a valid campfire permit.
* Woodcutting Check the woodcutting hotlines each day to determine if chainsaws are permitted.
* Off-Highway Vehicle Use Only permitted on designated roads; the Prosser Pit area near Truckee; and the Sugar Pine OHV area north of Foresthill. (Not permitted on trails other than the areas mentioned.)
* Smoking Limited to vehicles, buildings, and in a 3-foot cleared area.
* Contract/Permittee Operations Any operation or permittee that uses internal combustion engines or fire, must have an approved fire plan.
Trail Closure
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| Trail closure map courtesy Tahoe National Forest |
The fire has prompted the closure of the trail from Loney Meadows to the Rock Lakes.
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